Shift input module for automated manual shift system

ABSTRACT

An improved shift input module may be moved to a stowed position where it is out of the way of a vehicle operator. This allows the operator to move easily about the cab of the vehicle. The module also carries the cruise control buttons, such that they are easily accessible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved operator shift input module for anautomated manual transmission shift system.

In the prior art, automated manual shift systems are known wherein anoperator can request an upshift or a downshift by moving an inputpaddle. An actuator, and engine controls then take over to shift thetransmission to the gear requested by the driver. These systems arebecoming widely utilized as they relieve the operator of heavy vehiclesof the necessity of double clutching to make a transmission shift. Onthe other hand, the driver is still left with the ability to choose adesired gear ratio, and thus, in some respects, these systems are moredesirable then automatic transmissions. One such prior art system isdisclosed in PCT published application WO 97/44210.

In the past, shift input modules have been somewhat obtrusive. Themodules have been mounted in the cab of a tractor-trailer, forwardly ofthe operator seat. In such vehicles, the operator will often wish tomove about the cab. As an example, in many cabs, the operator has asleep chamber behind the seat. The operator thus wishes easy access fromthe seat to the cab. In the prior art, the input mechanisms havesometimes been in the way of the driver as the driver attempts to moveabout the cab.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing a shift input modulewhich is more convenient than the prior art. In one main aspect of thisinvention, the shift input module has an operative position where itextends upwardly at a location near a forward end of the operator seat.The module may be actuated to move to a stowed position. Further, thismovement is independent of the arm rest. Thus, the operator is able tomove easily about the cab, and the mechanism is not in the operator'sway. To achieve this movement, the mechanism is provided with a simplelock mechanism. The details of the lock mechanism are not part of thisinvention. However, the provision of a movable transmission shift inputmechanism is inventive.

Further, the inventive shift module also includes cruise control buttonsadjacent the paddle. This is a location which is much more convenientthen the prior art.

These and other features of the present invention can be best understoodfrom the following specification and drawings, the following of which isa brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle cab including the inventive switch.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows the improved switch in a stowed position.

FIG. 3B schematically shows a lock mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the inventive switch.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the switch in the FIG. 1 operative position.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the switch in the stowed position.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one detail of the switch; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the seat and paddle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle input shift module 20 incorporating a housing 24with a paddle 26 and an upper platform 28. As shown, the operator mayrest a forearm 29 on platform 28. A forward end 30 of the vehicle seatis approximately positioned near the location of paddle 26. The arm rest32 is at an approximately equal vertical location to the upper platform28. Thus, the forearm 29 is comfortably supported on platform 28.

Module 20 is preferably incorporated into an automated transmissionshift system. By moving paddle 26 forwardly or rearwardly, the operatoris able to request shifts upwardly or downwardly from a currentlyengaged ratio.

As shown, a mount bar 34 mounts module 20 for pivotal movement. A lockrelease mechanism 36 allows the module to be moved to a stowed positionas will be explained below. As can be appreciated from FIG. 1, in thisoperative position the module 20 would limit the operator's ability tomove about the cab.

As shown in FIG. 2, a rubber pad 31 may be placed upon upper platform 28for further operator comfort. As can be further seen, the switch willcomfortably support the forearm 29 as explained below.

As shown in FIG. 2, neutral button 137 is provided on one side of paddle26. Neutral button 37 may be actuated to request a movement to neutral.

As shown in FIG. 3A, module 20 may be pivoted to a lower, stowedposition 39. By pushing in lock 36, an internal lock mechanism isactuated to release the lock.

As shown in FIG. 3A housing 24 includes an integral bushing 38 whichrotates on bar 34. Lock mechanism 36 and an associated end portion 39can move within bar 34.

As shown in FIG. 3B, end portion 37 includes structure for lockingbushing at the operative or stowed positions. A pin 41 selectively movesinto openings 43 in bushing 38 to lock housing 24 at the two positions.Only one opening 43 is illustrated, but it should be understood thatanother opening 43 is spaced by 180° from the illustrated opening. Aspring bias part 36 and 37 to the left is shown in FIG. 3A. When thepart 36 is forced into bar 34, against the spring force, part 37 movesto the right, and pin 41 moves out of opening 42. This allows pivotingof the module housing 24 between the positions shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.3A.

Note that the movement is independent of the arm rest. While one methodof locking module is shown, the details of how the module is locked andreleased are achievable by a worker of ordinary skill in this art. Thesedetails form no portion of this invention. A worker of ordinary skill inthe art would be able to design a simple locking mechanism that allowsthe bushing 38 of the switch 22 to rotate on the bar 34. It is theconcept of locking and providing a stowed position which is inventive.

As shown in FIG. 4, module 20 is provided with a plurality of additionalinput and display members. As shown, cruise control buttons 42 may beprovided on the operator side of the housing.

Positioning the cruise control buttons at this location make actuationof cruise control much more convenient then in the prior art. Alimp-home switch 40 is provided on the rear of the module 22. Thelimp-home switch only becomes operative when the automated shift systemis not functioning. The limp-home switch may then be moved to a forward,neutral or reverse position. In these positions, the switch achieves alow forward gear, neutral or reverse, allowing the operator to drive thetruck even after failure of the automated system.

A skip shift button 44 allows the operator to request a skip shifteither upwardly or downwardly in conjunction with the actuation of thepaddle 26. Display lights 48 show the state of the vehicle (i.e.forward, neutral or reverse).

As shown in FIG. 5, when mechanism 20 is in its operative position, itcould restrict movement of the operator from the seat into the remainderof the cab. Thus, module 20 is moved to position 39 such as is shownFIG. 6. As can be appreciated, in this position the switch is not in theoperator's way.

As shown in FIG. 7, paddle 26 has a lower portion 50 extending into thehousing 24 through a slot 52 which approximates the lateral dimension ofportion 50. In this way, it is clear that paddle 26 is only intended tobe rocked forwardly or rearwardly. Springs 60 bias the paddle 26 to acentered position. The details of this structure are well within theskill of a worker in the art, and form no portion of this invention.Thus, the springs are shown schematically. However, the provision of apaddle having a portion 50 received in the slot 52 such that it cannotbe moved laterally is inventive. This prompts the operator to only movethe paddle forwardly or rearwardly.

The controls necessary to achieve all of the automated shifts describedabove are well within the skill of a worker in this art. The maininventive aspects of this invention go to the design and operation ofthe shift input module. While several of the functional and operationalcharacteristics of the system (i.e., controls, springs, etc.) aredisclosed schematically, a worker of ordinary skill in the art would beable to easily design appropriate systems to provide these functions.

A preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, however, aworker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certainmodifications come within the scope of this invention. For that reason,the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope andcontent of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle cab comprising:a vehicle seat; a shiftinput module for requesting shifts of a transmission mounted on avehicle; and an armrest attached to said vehicle seat, said module beingpositioned at an operative position wherein it is accessible to anoperator, and said module being movable to a stowed position wherein itis less accessible, said module being movable independently of saidarmrest, said module being provided with an upper platform and a paddle,said paddle being movable to request shifts, and said paddle beingpositioned slightly forwardly of said upper platform, said upperplatform for supporting an operator's forearm, said armrest being at anapproximately equal vertical position to said upper platform, saidpaddle being at a location.
 2. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid module is provided with buttons to actuate or request additionalfunctions on each of two lateral sides of said paddle.
 3. A vehicle asrecited in claim 1, wherein said module also includes cruise controlactuation buttons.
 4. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein a rubberpad is positioned on said upper platform.